These 12 Fall Foliage Train Rides in the US Will Outshine Your Pumpkin Spice Latte

Imagine traveling by train through colorful mountains and breathtaking coasts full of autumn hues. In the US, traveling by train in the fall is nothing short of dreamy.

Fall train travel is one of the most romantic experiences you can have. In the US, there are several incredible train routes you can take to get the most out of the season’s colors.

From midwestern lakes to dramatic mountain vistas, the US’s fall landscapes are diverse, rugged, and strikingly beautiful. Below are the 12 best train rides in the US for taking in the fall foliage.

Amtrak Vermonter (Washington, DC – Vermont)

For the ultimate long-distance fall foliage extravaganza, book your tickets for the Amtrak Vermonter. This multi-state route will take you from the nation’s capital to the capital of fall colors, Vermont.

You’ll travel through the heart of the US’s East Coast. On the way, you’ll pass through the iconic cities of Philadelphia and New York City before traveling north through rural Connecticut and Massachusetts. The final stretch takes you through the quaint towns of New Hampshire and Vermont before reaching your destination of beautiful St. Albans in northern Vermont.

During this long voyage, you can hop off in big cities and small towns to explore. On the way, you’ll see some of the country’s most vivid autumn hues and varied terrains. For the ultimate fall color rail adventure, this one is hard to beat.

The Greenbrier Express (West Virginia)

12 Train Rides for Fall Foliage in the US The Greenbrier Express W. Virginia — © abemos / Adobe Stock

Although short, there really is nothing like this fantastic Appalachian route. You’ll travel 15 miles up the scenic Greenbrier River between the charming towns of Cass and Durbin. This historic section of track was built in 1902 to haul timber down the 95-mile river valley.

On the way, you’ll look out over dramatic forests with bright yellow and red foliage. The river flows through the Monongahela National Forest. As you travel, you may see animals such as black bears, deer, or even the bald eagle, the national bird of the US.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Once you arrive at your destination in the town of Durbin, you’ll be treated to a freshly made lunch at one of the town’s mom-and-pop restaurants. Afterwards, you’ll get the chance to explore the town on foot and check out its many souvenir shops and cafes.

Georgetown Loop Railroad (Colorado)

If you love dramatic mountain scenery and historical mining towns, then the Georgetown Loop Railroad in the fall should be at the top of your list. This dream route is for rail enthusiasts who want to be glued to the window.

The centuries-old route takes you from the mining towns of Georgetown to Silver Plume. You’ll traverse a winding canyon that turns into a painting in the fall with brightly colored aspens and dark green pines.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

The track was built in the 1880s to service the mining towns along the precarious canyon. The classic steam engine curves around the mountainsides, allowing you the chance to appreciate the fall colors and heart-racing views along the way.

If you come in the fall, you can sample local craft beers on the way up. Do you need more reasons to go? I think not.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (Georgia)

The Blue Ridge Mountains are absolutely stunning in the fall. Between the vivid hues of reds and yellows to the misty river valleys and waterfalls, for nature lovers, it’s almost surreal.

On this epic ride, you’ll depart from Blue Ridge, Georgia. From here, you’ll ride up the steep Toccoa River Valley to McCaysville, Georgia. While you’re here, you can walk across the bridge into Copperhill, Tennessee.

Each section of the 26-mile trip gives you unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and wilderness. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Amtrak Cascades (Oregon – Vancouver, BC)

For the ultimate northwest journey, book your tickets for the Amtrak Cascades. This unforgettable route takes you through the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest. You’ll see volcanoes and mountains blanketed with hues of reds and yellows peppered with towering pines.

You’ll travel from the state of Oregon through Portland and into Washington. From here, the route takes you to Seattle, along the forests and rural communities of northern Washington State, and into beautiful Vancouver, Canada.

On the way, you can take in views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainer. You’ll also get to stop along the way in some of the most exciting cities and towns in the US and Canada. For a long-distance mixture of mountains, rural landscapes, and cities bathed in colors, this route is nothing but epic.

Conway Scenic Railroad (New Hampshire)

Departing from the historic North Conway Village train station, you’ll get to choose between several routes. Each one takes you through some of New Hampshire’s most scenic fall-color destinations.

You can travel along the striking Crawford Notch or the mellow yet beautiful Mount Washington Valley. No matter which route you choose, you’ll be surrounded by endless carpets of bright maples, elms, and birch.

Save this

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

If you want pure fall colors that are straight out of a postcard, then these routes are for you. Don’t forget to bring your camera because this railroad delivers an extra wow factor.

Virginia & Truckee Railway (Nevada)

Who said the desert doesn’t have fall colors? The historic Virginia & Truckee Railway has been around for over 150 years and is still one of the country’s places to go for an all-American fall color rail experience.

You’ll hitch a ride on a historic steam train in Carson City, Nevada. From here, you’ll travel along the Carson River and see beautiful desert landscapes covered with yellow-hued cottonwood trees.

This exciting journey blends intense fall colors and desert landscapes with history. If you want to learn about the original railroads of the American West, then this route is for you.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (Ohio)

This fantastic railroad is run by a non-profit vintage railroad restoration and excursion company. Its trains, rail lines, and experiences cater to preserving the rail history of Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

In the fall, you’ll see some of the most impressive shows of color in the Midwestern US. From maples to tall oaks, each tree comes alive with color as you race through the northern Ohio forests.

The CVSR offers several excursions. You can choose the scenic National Park excursion, the Ales on Rails, or the Cocktails on Rails experiences for an extra good time.

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (New Mexico – Colorado)

12 Train Rides for Fall Foliage in the US The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad New Mexico - Colorado — © spiritofamerica / Adobe Stock

For 64 miles, you’ll travel along the longest-functioning steam engine track in the US. If you come during the fall, the autumn hues of aspens and green pines will make a colorful spectacle along the mountain scenery.

The train chugs through river valleys, tunnels, desert landscapes, and up the 10,000-foot (3,050 meter) Cumbres Pass, making it the highest rail line in the US. You’ll feel like you’re traveling through the American West in an authentic Western movie.

Besides the train’s history and the colorful views you’ll enjoy is the wildlife you’ll see along the way. Elk, eagles, deer, foxes, and bears frequently approach the tracks. Grab your cowboy hats and prepare for the ultimate western fall rail experience.

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway (Colorado)

Another Colorado gem, the Broadmoor Manitou, and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, is well worth taking in the fall. You’ll travel up the world’s longest and highest cog-rail road to the towering Pikes Peak.

Along the way, you can see dramatic vistas, dense forests of pine and colorful aspen trees, and plenty of wildlife. The journey ends at the 14,100-foot (430-meter) Pikes Peak. At the top, you can see dramatic views of the Colorado Rockies.

The train journey up the mountain takes three and a half hours to reach the summit. On the way, you can enjoy snacks and beverages while gazing in awe at the dramatic mountains and autumn colors as you climb into the sky.

Coopersville & Marne Railway (Michigan)

The great state of Michigan has some of the most impressive fall color shows in the country. To take it all in by train, book your tickets for the Coopersville & Marne Railway. This epic railway line takes you through forests of maples, oaks, and other colorful trees.

This family-friendly adventure starts in the town of Coopersville and continues until you reach Marne, just outside of Grand Rapids. You’ll ride on vintage trains along the short track and get to see the stunning Michigan countryside along the way.

During the fall, you can enjoy the railway’s special Rails, Ales, and Wine Trains excursion, where, you guessed it, there will be beer and wine to enjoy during your trip.

Mount Washington Cog Railway (New Hampshire)

Another striking cog railway not to miss in the fall is New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Cog Railway. This epic journey takes you along the world’s first cog railway line to the peak of Mount Washington.

Along the way, you’ll gaze out the window at some of the most dramatic fall colors in the US. Vivid reds, golds, yellows, and purple hues stretch out as far as you can, making this one of the most beautiful fall color displays in the US.

For 150 years, the railway line has taken visitors up the steep slopes of Mt. Washington. Besides the colors and dramatic views are the Upper Ammonoosuc Falls and epic wildlife including eagles, bears, and even moose.